The wretched state of poverty and intestine disorder in which Scotland was
left by her native princes, when they removed to England, and which was at
first aggravated by the union of the kingdoms, called forth the exertions of
many of our most patriotic countrymen; and foremost in that honourable band
stood George Drummond. To him the city of Edinburgh, in particular, owes much.
He was the projector of many of those improvements, which, commenced under
his auspices, have advanced with unexampled rapidity ; insomuch, that Edinburgh, from a state approaching to decay and ruin, has risen, almost within the recollection of persons now alive, to be one of the finest and most interesting cities in the world.
The first great undertaking which Mr Drummond accomplished for the benefit of his native city, was the erection of the royal infirmary. Previous to the establishment of this hospital, the physicians and surgeons of Edinburgh, assisted by other members of the community, had contributed 2,000, with which they instituted an infirmary for the reception of the destitute sick. But Mr Drummond, anxious to secure for the sick poor of the city and neighbourhood, still more extensive aid, attempted to obtain legislative authority for incorporating the contributors as a body politic and corporate. More tlian ten years, however, elapsed before he brought the public to a just appreciation of his plan. At last he was successful, and an act having been procured, a charter, dated 25th August, 1736, was granted, constituting the contributors an incorporation, with power to erect the royal infirmary, and to purchase lands, and make bye-laws. The foundation stone of this building was laid 2nd August, 1738. It cost nearly 13,000, which was raised by the united contributions of the whole country ; the nobility, gentry, and the public bodies all over the kingdom, making donations for this benevolent establishment ; while even the farmers, carters, and timber-merchants, united in giving their gratuitous assistance to rear the building
The rebellion of 1745 again called Mr Drummond into active service in the defence of his country and its institutions; and although his most strenuous exertions could not induce the volunteer and other bodies of troops in Edinburgh, to attempt the defence of the city against the rebels, yet, accompanied by a few of the volunteer corps, he retired and joined the royal forces under Sir John Cope, and was present at the unfortunate battle of Prestonpans. After that defeat, he retired with the royal forces to Berwick, where he continued to collect and forward information to government, of the movements of the rebel army.
The rebellion of 1745 having been totally quelled in the spring of 1746, Drummond, in the month of November following, was a second time elected provost of Edinburgh. In the year 1750, he was a third time provost, and in 1752, he was appointed one of the committee for the improvement of the city.
The desire of beautifying their native city, so conspicuous among the inhabitants of Edinburgh, and which has engaged the citizens of later times in such magnificent schemes of improvement, first displayed itself during the provostship of Mr Drummond. Proposals were then published, signed by provost Drummond, which were circulated through the kingdom, calling upon all Scotsmen to contribute to the improvement of the capital of their country. These proposals contained a plan for erecting an Exchange upon the ruins on the north side of the High Street; for erecting buildings on the ruins in the Parliament Close; for the increased accommodation of the different courts of justice; arid for offices for the convention of the royal burghs, the town council, and the advocates' library. A petition to parliament was also proposed, praying for an extension of the royalty of the town, in contemplation of a plan for opening new streets
